Official figures show a sharp shift in demand for taxi drivers. Barcelona taxi driver applications have surged to a ten-year peak, according to new figures. Data from the Metropolitan Taxi Institute (IMET) shows a significant increase since 2023. Consequently, this trend far surpasses pre-pandemic levels and highlights renewed appeal for the profession.
In the past year alone, IMET managed seven separate exam sessions to accommodate rising demand. Meanwhile, 4,400 individuals registered to take the test. This represents a marked increase from the typical 2,300 to 3,400 annual applicants seen before the pandemic.
Your browser does not support the video tag.Home » Barcelona Taxi Driver Applications: Surge Hits Decade High
Barcelona Taxi Driver Applications: A Closer Look at the Numbers
Of the 4,400 candidates who registered, 4,050 ultimately sat the exams. The rigorous testing process resulted in 1,375 applicants successfully passing. Therefore, the pass rate stands at approximately one-third, demonstrating the comprehensive knowledge required.
The high volume has led IMET to add extra exam dates. These include sessions for candidates needing to retake failed sections. This flexibility helps streamline the licensing process for aspiring drivers.
High Demand Fuels Increased Barcelona Taxi Driver Applications
A key factor driving this surge is high demand for qualified drivers. Both taxi fleet companies and self-employed licence holders actively seek new drivers. Consequently, newly qualified drivers often secure employment almost immediately.
Ernesto Coscojuela, 61, recently passed the exam after working in hospitality and as a VTC driver. After registering on the IMET job board, he received four job offers the next day. This strong demand persists despite recent warnings about Barcelona’s labour market.
What the Barcelona Taxi Driver Exam Involves
The accreditation test ensures drivers have necessary skills and knowledge. The 80-question exam covers regulations, fares, professional knowledge, Barcelona metropolitan geography, and communication skills in Catalan and Spanish. Official sector statistics are available from the Àrea Metropolitana de Barcelona (AMB).
Certain exemptions exist. For example, VTC drivers with one year’s experience and 15 years’ local residency skip the geography test. This context includes a well-documented shortage of VTC licences in Barcelona. However, future Catalan Parliament legislation may introduce similar tests for all VTC drivers and stricter Catalan language requirements. This potential change is part of a broader new taxi law affecting VTC drivers causing sector concern.
Apply to join our community of Entrepreneurs, Senior Executives and Founders at Bizcelona .
